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Skiddaw
Located just to the north of Keswick, Skiddaw is the fourth highest peak in
Lakeland (at 3053 feet) and yet only 155 feet shorter than the highest, Scafell
Pike. It is the oldest mountain in the district, according to the evidence
of its rocks. She appears as a stately and gentle mountain, a legacy of
the weathering of her old slates. It is an area of great solitude, where the
Merlin swoops unruffled over the purple heathers of Skiddaw forest, where only a
few trees are evident. The scenes are breathtaking.
Back O'Skiddaw
The wide expanse of fells behind Skiddaw (north) are the Uldale and Caldbeck
fells locally known as the 'Back O'Skiddaw'. These fells are the most
northerly fells in the Lake District and as such are little known and seldom
trod. They rarely feature in guide books. There is a strong appeal
about them not found in the more popular areas of Lakeland - they are unspoilt,
serene and restful, a perfect sanctuary for birds and animals and those visitors
who prefer to be away from crowds. Back O'Skiddaw especially is another
world, a place that hasn't changed.
Binsey
Binsey fell (1466 feet) is a gentle hill and rises beyond the circular perimeter
of the Northern fells, detached and solitary. Interestingly
its rocks are volcanic, not slate as are those of all neighbouring fells and it
provides a viewpoint of outstanding merit. Binsey occupies the extreme
north-west corner of the Lake District. Beyond, to the north, is the
coastal plain, then the sea, then Scotland; nothing intervenes to interrupt this
sweeping panorama. To the east there are fantastic views of Overwater, to
the south east great views of The Dash and the valley, and to the south, there
is Bassenthwaite Lake - see the panoramic picture above. The small
village of Ruthwaite is at the base - this is the one time home of the famous
huntsman John Peel.
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